The Gloucester Museum of History gave the community an opportunity to come together to celebrate the holidays. Under the direction of Sidney Ripley, Robert Kelly and volunteer Lisa Thomas, the museum, decorated in holiday attire, held an open house and sponsored its first cookie contest “History in the Baking.” It was a festive and most successful day. Adults and children ages 3-12 were the two categories open for cookie bakers, with first-, second- and third-place awards offered in each. The three judges on each entry based their decisions on taste, appearance, creativity, and texture. Winners were awarded for first place in both categories a 2026 Ware Church Christmas ornament and a cookbook. The remaining winners each received a cookbook. Once the contestants had placed their cookies before the judges, they could then enjoy the open house. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the museum offered holiday themed living history and costumed interpretations. Music filled the air as a pianist and a baroqu...